Don't Forget About The Big Duck!
The Big Duck: A Classic Stop Between the South Fork and the North Fork
If you’re heading back from the South Fork and making your way toward the North Fork with the kids in the car there’s one stop you really shouldn’t miss — the Big Duck in Flanders.
If you’ve never seen it before it’s exactly what it sounds like. A giant duck. And yes you can actually go inside.
For many families it has become a tradition to pull over stretch their legs snap a few photos and let the kids laugh at the idea of a building shaped like a duck.
A Little History
The Big Duck was built in 1931 by local duck farmer Martin Maurer. At the time Long Island was famous for its duck farms and Maurer wanted a creative way to sell his ducks and duck eggs to travelers driving along Long Island.
Instead of putting up a sign he built the entire store to look like a duck. Drivers could spot it from far down the road and it worked exactly the way he hoped. People stopped.
Originally the Big Duck sat on Main Road in Flanders where it served as a shop for duck products. Over the years it moved a few times as the area changed. It was relocated down the road in Flanders and later temporarily moved while preservation efforts were underway.
Today the Big Duck sits proudly on Flanders Road right near Sears Bellows County Park where it continues to welcome visitors driving between the forks.
Why Families Love Stopping
For kids it’s simple. It’s big bright and completely unexpected.
They love walking up to it peeking through the windows and realizing that yes this giant duck is actually a building. Parents love it because it’s quick easy and a fun piece of local history you can share without planning a whole day around it.
It’s also one of those places that makes for a great spontaneous stop when everyone needs a break from the car.
From Duck Store to Local Landmark
While the Big Duck once sold ducks and eggs today it serves as a small museum and seasonal gift shop celebrating Long Island’s duck farming history. It’s maintained by Suffolk County Parks Department and has become one of the most recognizable roadside landmarks on Long Island.
Fun Facts to Share With the Kids
- The Big Duck is about 20 feet tall and 30 feet long
- It was built with wood wire mesh and concrete
- The eyes used to glow at night thanks to Model T Ford tail lights
- The building became so famous that architects created a term for buildings shaped like what they sell called duck architecture
Quick Facts for Out of Town Guests
- The Big Duck is one of the most photographed roadside attractions on Long Island
- Visitors from all over stop here while traveling between the South Fork and the North Fork
- It represents Long Island’s once massive duck farming industry
- It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- It’s a quick five minute stop that always turns into a memorable family photo
If you’re heading home from the South Fork with the kids and see the giant duck ahead...... go ahead and pull over. It’s one of those classic Long Island stops that reminds you sometimes the simplest roadside attractions are still the most fun. 🦆📸(and close to home!)
